**Juventus' Statistics on Vlahovic's Playing Time**
**Introduction**
Juventus FC, a storied club in Italian football, has recently faced questions about their approach to managing the playing time of their star striker, Dusan Vlahovic. As the 2023-24 season progresses, fans and analysts alike are curious about how much Vlahovic has been involved, especially compared to other forwards in the league. This article delves into Juventus's statistics on Vlahovic's playing time, his role within the squad, and his impact on the team's performance.
**Vlahovic's Role in the Squad**
Vlahovic, a 23-year-old Slovenian forward, joined Juventus in 2022 for a reported €42 million. Initially, he was seen as the club's primary striker, replacing the departing Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as the season has unfolded, questions have arisen about his consistency and whether he's living up to the high expectations placed on him. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the early stages of the season, his role has sometimes been shared with other forwards like Moises Caicedo and Matthijs de Ligt, who have also contributed to the team's attack.
**Minutes Played**
One of the key metrics to analyze is the amount of time Vlahovic has spent on the field. According to the latest statistics, Vlahovic has started 21 out of 23 matches, averaging around 91 minutes per game. His minutes per game (PPS) have been steadily increasing, especially as the season has progressed. However, this is not the highest among forwards in the league. For instance, Inter Milan's Edin Terzic has played 97 minutes per game on average,Premier League Frontline while Vlahovic's counterpart at AC Milan, Olivier Giroud, has also seen more playing time. This raises questions about whether Vlahovic's minutes should be higher, especially considering his wage packet and the expectations placed on him.
**Performance Metrics**
Beyond minutes played, we look at Vlahovic's performance. He has scored 12 goals and recorded 6 assists in 21 starts, giving him a goal contribution rate of roughly 0.57 per game. While this is decent, it's not exceptional. His key passes and dribbling ability have been noted, but there have been moments where his finishing has been lackluster. Additionally, his work rate in defense has been a topic of discussion, as he often drifts wide or is seen as a passenger in possession. This has led some to question whether he is the right fit for Juventus's tactical approach, particularly in a system that emphasizes fluidity and high pressing.
**Conclusion**
In summary, Vlahovic's playing time at Juventus has been significant, but not universally praised. While he has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, his role has sometimes been shared, and his performance has been inconsistent. Comparisons to other forwards in the league highlight that there are players with higher minutes and better goal contributions. This has led to debates about whether Vlahovic's minutes should be adjusted, especially given the financial investment Juventus made in signing him. However, it's also important to consider the broader context of the team's performance and how Vlahovic fits into their system.
**Key Takeaways**
- Vlahovic has started 21 of 23 matches, averaging 91 minutes per game.
- He has scored 12 goals and made 6 assists this season.
- His performance has been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by lapses in concentration.
- Comparisons to other forwards in the league suggest he isn't the only high-earning striker with significant playing time.
**Final Thought**
As the season continues, Juventus and manager Massimiliano Allegri will need to assess Vlahovic's role. Whether he becomes a cornerstone of the team or if the club considers other options remains to be seen. For now, Vlahovic's minutes and performance are topics that will likely dominate discussions among fans and analysts alike.